Volume 87, No. 6 - May 13, 2018

John 17:22-23 © 2018 Timothy R. Botts | Eyekons

St. Matthew’s Mission StatementCalled to fulfill the Great Commission, St. Matthew’s Welcomes all to faith in Jesus Christ, Nurtures our faith journey, Equips us to serve others, and Sends us into the world to make a difference in Jesus’ name.

The Voice of St. Matthew’sThe newsletter of St. Matthew’s Ev. Lutheran Church

Christopher Manke, Matthew Schlake-Kruse and Ann Williams, Pastors

1615 Wauwatosa Avenue, Wauwatosa, WI 53213414-774-0441 fax 414-774-0989

E-mail: office@stmattslutheran.orgVisit our website: www.StMattsLutheran.orgSunday worship at 7:30, 8:30, 11:00 a.m.

USPS 662-800 -- Published Monthly - Twice monthly in March, July, October and December by St. Matthew’s Evangelical Lutheran Church, 1615 Wauwatosa Ave., Wauwatosa, WI 53213 (phone 774-0441) Periodicals postage paid at Milwaukee, WI. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: The Voice of St. Matthew’s, St. Matthew’s Ev. Lutheran Church, 1615 Wauwatosa Avenue, Wauwatosa, WI 53213. Submit articles to the church office in care of Sonja Mohr, Newsletter Editor, or sonjamohr@me.com

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Pastor’s Voice

On Confidentiality Lately, the staff has been having some conversation about confidentiality. It is a vital pastoral issue and it is a vital issue for healthy communities. When congregations can trust each other— especially with private, or delicate information— they can become places where people feel comfortable sharing the real and vulnerable parts of their lives. Coffee hour becomes more than chit chat about the latest baseball game and Christians are able to care for one another and pray for one another in meaningful, life-changing ways. That kind of trust takes a long time to build and only a moment to break; so churches do well to talk regularly about confidentiality. St. Matthew’s has some added responsibility when it comes to discretion given the fact that so many extended family systems belong to this church. Several generations of the same family, people who have been neighbors for years, school teachers and students… all sit around you in the sanctuary on Sunday. That makes boundaries blurry and difficult to manage. The staff have decided to err on the side of privacy when faced with those complex webs of relationship. Here are a few additional guidelines we’ve come up with as a staff: • Contrary to what you may have heard, Pastors

are not mind readers. If you are having a difficult time, or are in the hospital and would like a visit— please tell us! On the other hand, if you don’t want a visitor at the hospital— please tell us!

• If you fill out a blue prayer card and would like it to be read aloud on Sunday morning please make sure you have permission to use that person’s name. This is especially important now that worship services are streamed live on YouTube. If you don’t have permission, it is still ok to fill out a prayer card, just write something more general like, “asking prayers for a neighbor battling cancer.”

• Be specific about who you would like to know private information. If you tell one of the Pastors on Sunday morning, is it also ok for the other two Pastors to know? For the church staff to know? For the prayer chain to know? Every member of staff has agreed to be better about asking these questions of you too.

• If there is something stressful going on at your house like a move, a death or problems in a relationship, consider telling the staff people with whom your family interacts most. Both John and Gretchen have found it very helpful when ministering to Sunday School students, choir members and bell ringers to know about challenges at home.

• One of the top values of Stephen Ministry is confidentiality. Trust is essential between Stephen Ministers and their Care Receivers. If you know one of our Stephen Ministers, don’t be offended when they can’t tell you anything (including the name) of their care receiver— it just means that Stephen Minister is taking his or her caring relationship seriously.

If you ask for an update about a friend or acquaintance on the prayer chain you may be told something like, “please speak to your friend directly.” We’re not trying to be rude! We know you have the most compassionate reasons for asking and healthy communication in congregations depends upon people being able to tell their own stories in their own way, in their own time, and with the people of their choosing. Some members are perfectly fine sharing information and welcome visitors, cards and prayers. When that is the case, we’ll happily share news and updates. Did you ask for prayers at one time and now feel better? Have a sense of peace? Found that new job? Please let us know! We love to pray prayers of thanksgiving and joy just as much as prayers of concern. Pastor Ann

Upcoming EventsPage 3

Men’s Softball Team season has begun! St. Matt’s Softball Team has begun playing each Tuesday evening, alternating between Hart Park at 72nd & State Streets, and Whitman Middle School’s North Field on 111th & Center Streets. The upcoming schedule looks like this. Come out and cheer on our team!Tuesday, May 15 6:30 p.m. at Whitman’s North Field vs. Our RedeemerTuesday, May 22 at 6:30 p.m. at Hart Park vs. St. BernardTuesday, May 29 at 9:30 p.m. at Whitman North vs. Christ King/St. JudeTuesday, June 5 at 8:30 p.m. at Hart Park vs. Mt. Carmel

Attention Golfers, Save the date Friday, August 3, 2018, is the 7th Annual Biehn/Ireland Memorial Outing which benefits the Youth Mission Trip. The event will be held at Kettle Hills Golf course. New this year, all lady golfers are in-vited to join in on the fun. Watch for more details in future bulletins and The Voice. See Jim Bowen or call 414-614-2799 if you have questions.

Join us for Music SundayMay 20th at the 8:30 & 11:00 servicesI will pray with the spirit, and I will pray with the understanding also; I will sing with the spirit, and I will sing with the understanding also. - 1 Cor.14:15 This scripture text, with its juxtaposition of “spirit” and “understanding,” interpreted also as “heart” and “mind,” is used been used by church musicians to reflect the synthesis of the two elements needed in good church music. We always strive to make music to the glory of God, through the technical work we do learning the music. We celebrate God’s gift of music that works through composers, authors, arrangers, editors, singers, ringers, and all musicians to glorify God the creator of all. Enjoy the celebration of God’s glorious gift of music as the choirs of St. Matthew’s share some special music through worship. The Senior Choir, Fallen Angels, and Bells Angels will share pieces with the congregation this festive day. On Music Sunday, the Senior Choir will be singing a setting of a 19th-century American hymn tune, “How Can I Keep From Singing?” The arrangement was written by Robert Hobby, Director of Music at Trinity English Lutheran Church in Fort Wayne, IN, and features each of the four verses set in distinctly different ways. Accompanied by the organ as well as Bells Angels, the piece begins very gently, and grows in intensity as the work progresses. The key change at the beginning of the fourth verse heralds the majestic setting of that final verse, and the piece then concludes as quietly as it began with the choir softly repeating the words of the title. The Bells Angels will be joined by Annaliese Heim on Marimba with extra percussion players in a lively rendition of “Kum Ba Ya.” The Fallen Angels will share John Rutter’s spirited, “I will Sing with the Spirit.” Please join us to share in this wonderful gift of music and thank all our choirs and many musicians in the congregation for their dedication and service the entire year.

Let every instrument be tuned for praise!Let all rejoice who have a voice to raise!And may God give us faith to sing alwaysAlleluia!

John R. Paradowski Minister of Music

Men’s Breakfast: In the Footsteps of the Apostle Paul Join us on May 12th, 7:30-9:00 a.m. for a delicious breakfast of cheesy eggs, hash browns, fresh fruit, bacon, sausage, milk and juice. After enjoying some time of fellowship and a hearty breakfast, we will hear from Pastor Chris and other pilgrims who will have just returned from the Footsteps of Paul – Greece to Rome pilgrimage. The presentation will focus on things learned from the trip, especially on Paul and his journeys. There may be a few pictures and videos to help envision the biblical stories as well. Friends are always welcome.

Upcoming EventsPage 4

Eat at Pizzeria Piccola on June 3rd to Support Youth Mission Trip to Washington, DC! The next Pizzeria Piccola fundraiser for the Youth Mission Trip is coming up on Sunday, June 3rd. This event will be a little different from previous events, due to the following changes made by the restaurant: • This year, in order for St. Matthew’s to receive credit

you will need to present a “Dine Out and Give Back” flyer that you can pick up from the Welcome Center. (Or you can make sure to mention St. Matthew’s when you place your order).

• We will receive 25% of every order that includes the flyer or mention of St. Matthew’s. (Carry out orders are included; delivery orders are not included).

• The fundraiser runs all day on June 3rd (from 11:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m., not just for dinner).

Even with the changes, this is still a delicious way to support St. Matthew’s Mission Trip to Washington, D.C. So grab your flyer and enjoy a great meal for a good cause!

Sign up today to be 1 of 10 people attending a progressive dinner on Saturday, May 19! Three St. Matthew’s families have generously offered to host a progressive dinner at their homes. We will enjoy appetizers at one family’s home, a main course at the second home, and dessert at the third home. Space is limited to 10 people. Participants will be notified of start time (tentatively 4 or 5 p.m.) and hosts’ names and addresses. Contact Jennifer Wills at 262/483-1848 or jenniferwills1@me.com with questions. Sign up today at https://tinyurl.com/May19Dinner

WOOF WOOF! Dog Park Outing: Calling all dogs and dog-lovers! Join us for a casual meet-up at the Currie Park dog exercise area on Sunday, May 20. We’ll meet at the dog exercise area at Currie Park (near Mayfair Rd and Menomonee River Parkway) at 1:00 p.m. and let the dogs run, play and socialize while we all do the same ourselves!! No need to RSVP - just come to the park and look for the group with a balloon. NOTE: outing will be cancelled if inclement weather or extremely wet conditions. Sponsored by the Fellowship Committee. See Heather Deaton (hdeaton@wi.rr.com) or Elliot Oquist (oquist04@gmail.com) with questions.

30th Anniversary Celebration for MICAHto be Held on May 24th Help MICAH (Milwaukee Intercity Congregations Allied for Hope) celebrate 30 years of addressing social justice issues in Milwaukee by attending the “Make a Joyful Noise for Justice” event scheduled for May 24th. Here are the details:

Date: May 24thTime: Doors open at 5 p.m.Location: St. Sebastian’s Catholic Church,5400 W. Washington BoulevardCost: $30 donation Food: Choose from an array of food trucks from 5-6:30 p.m. Your cash or credit card purchase of food will earn 15% for MICAH.Entertainment and Awards: Begin at 6:45

As a MICAH congregation, St. Matthew’s would like to have a large group attend. Tickets are available in the St. Matthew’s office. If you have questions, please contact Jill Hughes at jhughes621@wi.rr.com.

At-Home Mission Week: June 17—23 While our young people and adult leaders head to the capital and serve with agencies in the Washington, D.C. area, St. Matthew’s will again be serving in multiple ways with local partners to help make a difference and continue to build relationships with a number of non-profits and local organizations who are dependent on volunteer hours! If you have an idea of a project you’d be interested in leading, or to join up with projects the Social ministry team will be planning and organizing, watch for upcoming sign-up opportunities! We’ll aim to have both family friendly and daytime and evening events.

SAINTS June Outing – Sunday, June 17“Any Number Can Die” at the SUNSET PLAYHOUSE followed by dinner at BRAVO! Italian Restaurant Join the SAINTS for our first outing of 2018. Meet at St. Matthew’s at 1 p.m. on Sunday, June 17 to load the bus for the Sunset Playhouse. We will be attending their production of “Any Number Can Die.” It is a hilarious spoof of the mystery plays of the twenties. Four ingenious murders take place in an island mansion as a pair of elderly detectives set to work on their first case. The ever-present storm, the unexpected guests, the cryptic poem and the missing fortune all add to this inventive and amusing whodunit. After the show, we will load the bus and head over to BRAVO! Italian Restaurant for a classic Italian dinner. Following dinner, the bus will return us to St. Matthew’s. Cost for the show, dinner, and transportation: $62. Amount includes all taxes and gratuities. Watch for a flyer with more

information and registration form. This promises to be a wonderful afternoon of fellowship not to mention an entertaining play and delicious meal!

Plan to attend the next Saints Gathering at St. Matthew’sWednesday, May 16, 11:30 a.m.LAUGHTERThe focus of the May meeting of the SAINTS is laughter. In order to fully understand the phenomenon of laughter we have invited “The See Team” to join us. “The See Team” performs improvisational comedy which uses audience suggestions to create hilarious stories on the spot. Six reasons why you should not miss the May SAINTS event:

1. Laughter is a potent endorphin releaser.

2. Laughter contagiously forms social bonds.

3. Laughter fosters brain connectivity.4. Laughter is central to relationships.5. Laughter has an effect similar to

antidepressants.6. Laughter protects your heart.

Most importantly, laughing is fun and feels great! As always, lunch will follow the presentation.Don’t miss this fun event at church! Sign up at the Welcome Center so that we may plan for lunch.

Saints: St. Matthew’s Older Adult MinistryPage 5

Jackie Granger gave entertaining talk at April Saints GatheringJackie Granger, author and humorous speaker, gave a well-received talk to a larger than expected Saints Gathering on April 18.

Lois Bross (left) and Jackie Granger; Lois Marks (left) with Jackie Granger

Jackie Granger has written several novels.

Pentecost Sunday We celebrate the DAY OF PENTECOST as the birthday of the Christian Church. The living and ascended Jesus poured out the Holy Spirit upon his disciples, fulfilling his promise to send another Counselor. With a lively wind like the creative breath of God in Genesis’ first chapter, the Spirit energizes the disciples. This Spirit of Truth showed them the meaning of the Old Testament, the significance of Jesus’ life and death, and baptized them with power to bring the Truth to the people of the world. They demonstrated this power by speaking in languages understood by visitors to Jerusalem from all over the ancient world. Words and Symbols of the Holy Spirit Pentecost means 50th day. The name Pentecost was taken over for Christian use from the Jews. For the Jews, Pentecost was the Feast of the Weeks, celebrating the end of the grain harvest. They presented bread made from the new grain as an offering to God. Also associated with the Jewish Pentecost was the giving of the Law to Moses and the founding of the Jewish community of faith. Early Christians found in their Pentecost a thanksgiving for the fruits of the Spirit, as the Jews gave thanks for the fruit of the earth, as well as the founding of the Christian church, the successor to the Old Testament community. The Holy Spirit throughout Scripture is a gift of the Lord and is, indeed, the Lord. In the New Testament this Spirit of God descended on Jesus like a dove at his baptism. On the Day of Pentecost the Spirit descended on Jesus’ followers to clothe them with power, as he had promised. In the Book of Acts the Spirit that guided the apostles was called “the Spirit of Jesus.” Peter proclaimed that the Day of Pentecost was the fulfillment of Joel’s prophecy of an outpouring of the Spirit of prophecy. This gift was not confined to the Pentecost disciples, but the promise was “to you and your children and to all that are far off, everyone whom the Lord our God calls to him. Wind and Breath are signs of the mysterious action of the Holy Spirit, unseen [John 3:8] yet bringing life. [Genesis 2:7]

Tongues of Fire appeared to hover over the disciples on Pentecost as a sign of the Lord’s presence and power. In Old Testament times fire was often the sign of God’s presence (Moses met the Lord at the burning bush) and of God’s holiness, which may purify or punish. The Dove returned to Noah carrying an olive branch to signify that the earth was again habitable after the flood. When Christ emerged from the “flood” of his own baptism, the Holy Spirit in the form of a dove came down upon him. The Laying on of Hands in a rite such as ordination or confirmation symbolizes the blessing of the Holy Spirit. It is Christ, the Chosen One of God, who pours out the Spirit on all his chosen people. Red is the liturgical color for Pentecost Day, a major festival of the Christian Church. Red traditionally reminds us of the offering of life - our lives - in the service of our Lord. John R. Paradowski Minister of Music

Pentecost is Sunday, May 20Page 6

Baptismal Anniversaries Highlighted Several times each month, babies, children and adults are baptized during our worship services. During the service of baptism, after the person is baptized, the congregation welcomes him or her and promises to pray for him or her during his/her faith development. We list recent May baptisms for the past few years, and ask for your prayers and support for the spiritual growth of these little ones.

Mariana Micky Gissibl May 7, 2017 Nora Jipp May 14, 2017 Noah James Kamenick May 21, 2017 Bodie Matthew Seiter May 21, 2017 Levi Alexander Frets May 28, 2017 Emsley Marie Mann-Chiu Wong May 28, 2017 William Robert Haver Petersen May 8, 2016 Louise Rachel Burns May 15, 2016 Arlo McCorkle May 22, 2016 Natalia Rose Byrne May 10, 2015 Luke Lawson Kimps May 31, 2015 Milo Howard Chay May 11, 2014 Eleanor Grace Rhode May 25, 2014 Jacob Evans May 12, 2013 Stella Kunz May 26, 2013 Piper Reagan Goebel May 1, 2011 Alexandria Meyer Kull May 29, 2011

Sunday School Big Group on GRACEPage 7

Last Sunday School Big Group of the Year a Grace-Filled Event With the Sunday School year drawing to a close on May 20th, 1st-5th graders had their last big group event of this year. The lesson for this rotation is centered on the apostle Paul and the ways his teachings still speak to Christians. In his many journeys, Paul traveled over 13,000 miles to teach and support congregations throughout the Roman world. His letters to those churches comprise 13 books of the New Testament, and at the heart of his message is the understanding of grace as the complete and unearned love that God freely gives us.

Since it was the last big group of the year, students were asked to write about what they learned in Sunday School this year. This grace-filled message from the heart was beautifully expressed by 3rd grader Alexis Mainville.

Shown left to right, Avery Herrell, Mark Zello, Will Freeborn, Shane Fisher, and Sam Wooster eagerly await the snack -- cookies decorated to look like flip-flops as an illustration of the footsteps of Paul.

First through fifth graders proudly surround the letters they created to produce the word GRACE.

What led you to receive the care of a Stephen Minister?It all began soon after I moved to a new city to live near my family. I had just ended an eight-year relationship and was depending on them to be my support system. But a few months after I arrived, they unexpectedly had to move away—so I felt very, very alone. Not long after they moved, my grandfather passed away. It was one of the hardest times of my life. I knew I needed to talk to someone, but I hadn’t lived in the city long enough to develop close, comfortable friendships that I could depend on. But my new church had Stephen Ministry. When I found out what Stephen Ministry was, I talked to my pastor about getting a Stephen Minister. How did your relationship with your Stephen Minister start out?It started off a little bit slow. I wasn’t sure how I’d feel about sharing deep, personal things with someone I didn’t know very well. But her consistency, compassion, and care for me really came through. I realized that my Stephen Minister was a safe person who wasn’t going to share what I told her with anyone else. From there we developed a deep relationship until I felt like I could truly share anything with her.

Stephen Ministry: A Care Receiver InterviewPage 8

What was it like to meet with your Stephen Minister?We met weekly for one hour. Sometimes she’d come to my house and we’d sit and talk, and other times we’d go walking together. During our visits, she just let me talk while she listened. As I was talking through things, I realized that it was helping me to make sense of everything that had happened and how I was feeling. She accepted my feelings, including the ones that seemed risky to share—and that was really helpful. I actually didn’t need advice from her—I needed acceptance and affirmation. I had a lot of loneliness, a lot of hurts, a lot of uncertainty inside. I needed to be validated and not put down. My Stephen Minister did a wonderful job of listening, asking questions and creating a warm, caring space for me to process my emotions and work through my issues.

How did your Stephen Minister help you to experience God’s love?The fact that God is invisible makes it hard for me to experience him sometimes. I’d been through some very negative experiences in life that caused me to question whether God even existed—and, if he existed, whether he loved me. I truly wondered, after all the things I’d done and the mess I’d been through, if God could still love me. When my Stephen Minister was able to share her concern and her sorrow over my experiences, God was there loving me through her. Her care showed God’s love for me. It was the tangible expression of God’s love in my life.

To learn more about Stephen Ministry for you or someone you care about please talk with Pastor Ann, Sue Swing or visit the Stephen Ministry Center in the Library Commons any Sunday from 9:45-10:45 and chat with a Stephen Minister. Sue Swing Coordinator of Adult Education & Volunteer Ministries

Adult EducationPage 9

Sunday Mornings, 9:45 - 10:45 a.m.Only a few more Sundays of adult education before we take a break for the summer. If you have an idea for a class you’d like to see on the schedule for next year please e-mail Sue Swing; sueswing@sbcglobal.net

May 20Adult Education for May 20th: Zeidler Center Wrap-UpDuring the Adult Education Hour on May 20th, join us to hear the findings, learnings, and next steps after our Zeidler Center Taboo Talks Process. We had excellent participation in our three taboo talks—now come and hear what we learned and how we hope to apply our learning to continue with the steps and progress we’ve made toward fostering civil conversations about hard issues in church!

June 3Medical Mission to ColombiaLuther & Doris Kloth share photos and stories from their recent medical mission trip to Colombia in South America.

Lifelong Learning for AdultsEssential Oil Mixology Class on Wednesday, May 23rd Empower yourself & bring more positivity into your home! This Mixology Class will feature essential oil solutions and hands on mixing of recipes unique to you & your family for a more balanced & chemical free summer. BONUS activities during this 1 hour class include: 1. Learn how essential oils work for added health benefits for all ages with Kait McCullough, dōTERRA Wellness Advocate. Mix your own roller solutions for better sleep, uplift mood, boost energy or manage pain.2. Bottle up positivity with Reiki infused oils at class! Add Reiki energy to your essential oils for balanced natural solutions. Not sure what Reiki is? Mini Reiki sessions available with Becca Kirin, Reiki Master Teacher.

Wednesday May 23rd9:30-10:30 a.m. AND 7:00-8:00 p.m. (childcare available!)

Please RSVP to Kait 414-403-7752 (text or call) so we bring enough supplies for everyone!

Scripture with ScholarsA Greek Pilgrimage for Armchair Travelers When Christians travel on a pilgrimage, they integrate the sites and sounds of their journey with their spiritual life. In this presentation, an arm chair pilgrimage in the footsteps of St. Paul, Dr. Scholz will lead us through the cradle of Christianity where Paul did his missionary work, making sense of Jesus’ message to the ancient world by integrating Hebrew Theology with Greek Philosophy. Dr. Scholz received his Ph.D. from Marquette University in 1997 in biblical theology. Dr. Scholz is an active member of the Catholic Biblical Society and the Society of Biblical Literature.

This event will take place on Tuesday, May 29, 2018, from 7:00 - 8:30 p.m. at the Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist Atrium, 812 N. Jackson St., Milwaukee. Metered parking is free after 6:00 p.m. No registration is required. This event is free and open to the public. Sponsored by the Archdiocesan Office of Evangelization and the Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist.

Summer Study Nights Are Back Soon! This Summer, Pastor Matt will be continuing his tradition of exploring relevant and socially important topics on Sunday evenings with salad and conversation. This summer, look ahead for short bible study and reflections on the topics of Immigration, Racial Disparity, and Violence. More details will be coming in the next few weeks. We’ll be using bible studies and resources compiled by ministry partners to help us see outside perspectives on these issues and explore our own values as we try to wrestle with how we respond as people of faith.

Synod Assembly

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Erickson Scholarship Applicants Apply now for scholarship consideration It is time to apply or renew your application for a scholarship from the Rev. Gary and Susan Erickson scholarship Fund for the 2018-2019 school year. Eligibility is based on:1) Students studying to become

an ordained minister at an ELCA Seminary or pursuing advanced degree work in theological education;

2) Students enrolled in a bachelor of arts music program with intent to work in church related music;

3) Students enrolled in an ELCA college with a congregational matching gift on behalf of the college, incl. EPIC program.

Applications can be found at the church office or online at www.stmattslutheran.org or request the document by email to <office@stmattslutheran.org> Any questions regarding the scholarship or application my be addressed to any scholarship committee members Pastor Chris Manke and Nancy Herrell.

Are you someone who hires people?Reentry Expo:“Working With our Neighbors” The Archdiocese of Milwaukee Office for Urban Ministry, in partnership with the US Attorney’s Office and others, is holding a Reentry Expo, “Working with our Neighbors,” on Thursday May 17, 2018 at the Cousins Center (3501 S. Lake Drive, Milwaukee) from 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. This event will be an exposition or trade show format with job-training agencies ready to meet business owners and hiring manager to explain how these agencies can help businesses fill their hiring needs, while helping to serve the poor and formerly imprisoned. Drop in at the Cousins Center, 3501 S. Lake Drive, St. Francis, any time between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m.Registration appreciated but not required: https://reentryexpo.eventbrite.com Join the faith community and other faith forward businesses at the SE Wisconsin Reentry Employment Expo and network with employment and government agencies ready to help you fill your workforce needs with qualified, work-ready jobseekers who were previously incarcerated.

Synod Assembly is held at Country Springs Hotel in Pewaukee, May 31-June 2

Women and Justice HearingThursday, May 31 at 3 p.m. Our Greater Milwaukee Synod is hosting two hearings for ELCA members to comment on the text of the Draft Social Statement on Women and Justice. The first is on Thursday, May 31 and the second is on Saturday, June 16 (2nd one is hosted by St. Matthew’s). These hearings are a vital part in the development of the statement, as an opportunity for ELCA members to share their thoughts on the draft. A representative of the ELCA Task Force on Women and Justice: One in Christ will be present at the hearing. An appointed recorder will keep track of everything said (without names) and submit a report to the task force. The task force is committed to reading all of these reports as they consider how to revise the draft into a proposed social statement, which will be released in February 2019. For additional information about the synodical hearing, please visit ELCA.org/womenandjustice or call the synod office 414-671-1212.

How Did We Get Here? Reggie JacksonThursday, May 31 at 6:30 p.m. Reggie Jackson, from Nurturing Diversity Partners, will share a close look at the historical forces that have created racial divisions throughout the nation’s history to gain a better understanding of how we became a nation that is so divided by race. We will look at some common sense solutions that will assist us in making progress towards building a racially just society that we will all benefit from as Americans. Learn more about Reggie Jackson: goo.gl/9Kx3N9

SYNOD ASSEMBLY Opening WorshipThursday, May 31 at 6:30 p.m. Gather together to worship our creative God, as we explore the themes of curiosity and the movement of God’s spirit. Come join together with the Body of Christ as we sing, pray, listen, and respond to God’s presence. We will come together with our neighbors from all over the Greater Milwaukee Synod to ask questions and explore the movement of the Spirit among us. Our preacher for the evening is Bishop Paul Erickson.

THE REV. GARY & SUSAN ERICKSON

SCHOLARSHIP FUND

You’re invited to these public events!

Women’s MinistryPage 11

Women of the ELCA Cluster meeting“Make a Joyful Noise to the Lord” was the theme of the Women of the ELCA Cluster Meeting Saturday, April 14 at St. Luke’s Lutheran Church in Greendale. Pastor Carolyn Fredriksen of St. Luke’s spoke about the emotional power of music. She said that in the early church psalters and psalms were used to sing and praise God. Psalms came out of people’s lives and experiences. When we have no words, psalms or songs fill the void. Many psalms are praise songs. Psalms are also communal laments when people felt God had deserted them. There are creator and teaching psalms, trusting psalms, history and festival psalms and psalms of thanksgiving. Pastor Carolyn played her guitar and we sang Make a Joyful Noise to the Lord; Bind Us Together (Ephes. 4:32) Be Ye Kind One Unto Another (James 4:10) Humble Thyself (Phil. 4:4) Rejoice in the Lord Always (Romans 8:23) The Spirit Intercedes for Us. She said that much of our liturgy comes out of the Psalms. “Psalms can help build community,” she said, “and encourage us to live our lives in helping and loving one another.”

The next Cluster meeting will be November 10, 2018, at Redemption Lutheran Church on the National Alliance for the Mentally Ill. Event Summary by Marilyn Day

“Stitches of Love” Quilting Ministry at St. Matthew’sBlessing on Sunday, May 13, 201815th year in serving othersTotal of 2,328 quilts completed to date The efforts of the Stitches of Love Quilt Ministry are to spread the love of our Lord worldwide through the warm bedding created. The Ministry strives to make beautiful quilts and blankets from donated fabrics for distribution to individuals who are in physical, emotional, or spiritual need. The Ministry combines the talents of quilters who have eager hearts and hands, to make bedding for those in need, to the Glory of God. Many different talents, skills, friendship and creative minds woven together to touch the lives of those in need has been a miracle unfolding. As stated in Colossians 1:16, “For everything, absolutely everything above and below, visible and invisible….everything got started in Him and finds its purpose in Him.”

Thanks to church members, children, grandchildren and friends of the quilting ministry for their donations. Prior to the quilts and blankets being distributed, all quilts receive a prayer of blessing. Following the blessing, the quilts will be distributed through the following organizations as well as individual charities:The Linus Project – a national organization that distributes blankets as needed to local hospitals and Bethany Christian Services.The Joy House – this welcoming home supplies the needs of women & children through the support of the Milwaukee Rescue Mission.CareNet – a safe haven for expectant mothers to guide them in the decision to choose life for their unborn.Pine Ridge Indian Reservation, Batesland School (SD). ELCA Women’s Supported Charity Following is the breakdown of the bedding completed from September, 2017- May, 2018. • 204 quilts & blankets completed by the St. Matthew’s

Quilting Ministry • 40 receiving blankets completed and presented to

Baptismal families during service. This will be an on-going service to families

• Thrivent Action Team Project shipped 6 boxes to Pine Ridge Indian Reservation in SD. Among the items are “granny square” afghans completed by member, Terri Kuhlmann’s mother and fleece blankets. Thrivent covers the $250 shipping costs

• 15 new bed pillows & custom made pillowcases created for distribution to The Joy House

• 75 teddy bears with jacket, headband and prayer card attached completed and given to various emergency police/fire departments to offer comfort to children in crisis situations

• 465 pillowcases completed thanks to donated fabric. Items to Ronald McDonald’s House, Fisher House and Pine Ridge Indian Reservation

Everyone is welcome to join the work of the Stitches of Love Quilt Ministry. The group meets 4 times a year as a group. No experience or equipment is needed, no deadlines, and all work is done at home or at the Blitz Workshop. For further information, contact Bev Etzelmueller at #262-250-3969 or the church office.

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Sign Up Now to help with Vacation Bible School this summer!

Page 13

Middle School Mission Event, April 20-21Middle School Kids Learned About Plastic Pollution at Overnight Event At April’s Middle School Mission Overnight, 6th – 8th graders spent an evening learning about the impact they each have on the environment based on their lifestyles and ways that they can lessen that impact. They began with an activity that measured the size of their “carbon footprint” and followed that by learning about the environmental damage that is caused on land and sea by our over-reliance on single use plastics (packaging, grocery bags, and even things like ring pops!). The following morning, the group spent several hours picking up garbage along the river as part of the Milwaukee River Keepers’ Spring Clean-up. The event ended with a discussion of ways that we can change our behavior to better protect the environment. If you are interested in learning about plastic pollution and the effect it has on all of us, visit these websites: https://www.earthday.org & https://plasticoceans.org.

Lilly Buer and Nathan Foley, and Elliot Oquist and Karl Beck attach plastic loops together to make “plarn” (plastic yarn) that will be used to make sleeping mats for the homeless. It takes about 700 bags to make each mat, which helps create a second use for some of the single-use plastic bags that would otherwise be discarded. But that is just a drop in the bucket of the more than 500 billion bags that are consumed each year, with billions ending up in landfills.

A morning walk along the river produced several bags of trash that were enthusiastically gathered by Emily Kramer & Lily Buer (kneeling), and (left to right) Annika Vallee, Grace Charlson, Annabelle Wooster, and Jackie Beck.

Ready to transform a pile of discarded bags into plarn that will be used to make plastic mats for the homeless are Conlan Welch (front), Annika Vallee (2nd row) and (left to right) Karl Beck, Grace Charlson, Kate Charlson, Jackie Beck, Hannah Levra, Emily Kramer, Annabelle Wooster, Lily Buer, Aidan Weileder, George Ubell, Elliot Oquist, Spencer Bliesner, Nathan Foley, and Braden Dupee.

A creative group found additional uses for dis-carded plastic bags. Pictured left to right are George Ubell, Braden Dupee, Conlan Welch, Spencer Bliesner, and Aidan Weileder.

Page 14

Social MinistryDiaper Drive ends on Mother’s DayCan you help to provide these necessities? Please help support St. Matt’s seventh annual Mother’s Day Diaper drive, supporting Reformation and Cross Lutheran churches. Keep our local babies clean, dry and healthy. Medicaid pays for roughly 47% of all births in this country, yet no government program provide infant diaper subsidies. However, Medicaid will pay for adult diapering. Diaper need is the lack of a sufficient supply of diapers to keep an infant clean, dry and heathy. This is about 10-12 diapers per day. Families living in poverty lack access to hygiene products necessary to remain clean and healthy. Without clean dry diapers, babies are more likely to get infections, cry and be more agitated which leads to more stressful home lives. One in three moms struggles to provide diapers for her child. Of these moms, 3 of 5 miss work or schooling because they cannot provide diapers for their child, needed to attend day cares. Keeping these moms in a cycle of poverty. Deciding to help diaper babies in Milwaukee is another way we can help impoverished people live their lives independently. Similar to how our meal ministries help people live nutritiously. In Wisconsin, the average monthly cost of diapers is $80. The only government assistance that covers diapers is TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families). (WIC and SNAP can only be used on food.) TANF payments cover rent, electricity, transportation, water, medications, little if any money is left to use on diapers. When diaper banks and organizations like churches provide one of babies’ basic needs, we are helping moms succeed. To help you can donate diapers in sizes 2,3,4,5 and unscented diaper wipes and diaper rash creams with zinc oxide. The collection area is in front of the church office. Also, you can donate money at church designated towards the diaper drive. Thank you!

Coffee and Chocolate will be available for purchase on Sunday, May 13 Stop by the Coffee and Chocolate tables on May 13 and stock up on coffee and chocolate for the coming weeks. Plan ahead on your chocolate “needs!” Chocolate sales go on hiatus for the summer, so this will be one of your last opportunities to purchase the delicious varieties of Fair Trade Divine Chocolate offered through Lutheran World Relief. And Mt. Meru Coffee from Tanzania is richly flavored good coffee. Stock up! And don’t forget that both of these items make great Mother’s Day gifts.

NAMI WalkHelp Support the National Alliance on Mental Illness Walk in Memory of Eric KlothBy Luther and Doris Kloth We are again continuing Eric’s mission by having a team, Remembering Eric Kloth in the NAMIwalks on Saturday, May 19, at Veterans Park by the Kite Shop. We invite you to participate by donating to our team and/or walking with us on May 19. Registration is free. Check in at 9:30; walk begins at 11 a.m. You can donate under Remembering Eric Kloth online at www.namiwalks.org/greatermilwaukee or mail your donations to Luther and Doris Kloth, 2205 North 71st Street, Wauwatosa, WI 53213. We appreciate your support. Eric, our eldest son, suffered from mental illness for 20 years. NAMI, the National Alliance on Mental illness played a huge role in his life. NAMI, the Greater Milwaukee Chapter helped Eric get better care and housing and gave him a sense of purpose. Eric spoke about living with mental illness to groups all over Milwaukee in the In Our Own Voice program. His mission was to reduce the stigma surrounding mental illness, a stigma he constantly felt.

Page 15

Blast Off for Books! The ELCA, whose Youth Gathering will be held in Houston this year—has recognized the need to lift up literacy in America’s fourth-largest city. Building a foundation of literacy starts before entering Kindergarten. Students who read at home become strong writers, critical thinkers, and more successful students than those who do not. Houston Independent School District estimates that 74% of the students in the district come from families who struggle to provide books for their children. This means the students begin each school year at a disadvantage. In donating to support the ELCA’s Blast Off for Books campaign, you will help ensure bright futures for Houston’s students. The books you donate will be distributed at community book fairs, camps and other events around the city as part of the Gathering’s Service Learning experience. By putting books in the hands of Houston’s economically disadvantaged students, you can help change lives. Please see the flyer around St. Matthew’s, or the ELCA’s Amazon Wish List for a list of books we will be collecting for the children of Houston. Note that we will only accept these books (new or lightly used). Pastor Delaney Schlake-Kruse will take books with her church’s youth as they leave for Houston on June 25th. Please drop off books outside the office by then.

Outreach for Hope 2017 Year in Review!Vision: The Outreach for Hope vision is that strong, vibrant ministries will be centers of hope in the midst of every community challenged by poverty within the Greater Milwaukee Synod.Thank you to the generous donors in our congregation and synod who made 2017 an exceptional year. Mission: We inspire donors to live and give generously by investing their gifts as a resource for transformation in ELCA Greater Milwaukee Synod ministries, serving communities of poverty.Here’s what happened in 2017 for Outreach for HopeOFH celebrated its 22nd yearEstablished the Urban Internship Fund, which helps fund seminary interns for a year of service-learning in urban congregationsHeld its 10th Annual Family Bike Ride, raising more than $135,000 to support ministiresSaid goodbye to Jim Bickel, Outreach for Hope’s Executive Director of eight years, and welcomed Tim Larson, our current Executive Director.OFH Supports ministries in three funding priority areas:• Addressing basic needs and community building• Empowering individuals, congregations and

community• Development of lay and pastoral leadership

Thank you for your support of Outreach for Hope!

Golf to Help our Partners at Project RETURN! This year’s Project Return Golf Outing will be held on Tuesday, June 12th at the Western Lakes Golf Club in Pewaukee. The 4-person scramble event begins at 8:00 a.m. with a shotgun start, and includes appetizers, lunch, a short program, and raffle prizes. If you cannot golf that day, consider sponsoring a hole or donating a raffle prize. $100 entry fee includes cart, greens fees, lunch, prizes, and Par-3 events. Participating in this golf event helps support the mission and clients served by Project RETURN, who assist formerly-incarcerated individuals with employment, counseling, and AODA needs, and helps counsel individuals through re-entry.

Social Ministry

June brings a new model of service to the Cross Food Pantry Beginning in June, the weekly food pantry with our partners at Cross Lutheran church will adjust to become a Choice shopping pantry. Guests will now have the ability to choose selected pantry items based on their personal preferences and choices, as well as the ability to refuse items they won’t consume or don’t currently need, which allows for more food to be shared with pantry shoppers. When St. Matthew’s serves lunch on the 4th Wednesday of each month, Cross, led by Food Justice Intern Wyatt Meyer, is looking for 3-5 volunteers from St. Matthew’s to be personal shoppers with guests, volunteering from 1-3:30 p.m. If you are interested in serving in this way, please speak with Pastor Matt, who can help you get connected

and begin training.

Save the Date—Cross Block Party and Community Picnic

will be held Sunday, August 19th!

Page 16

Let Us Pray - “Ten Minutes Matter”An Invitation for silence & preparation for worship

May 13 - Upper Room8:00 am Greeting8:10 Silence Begins8:20 Reflection

Be Still and Know That I Am God. -Psalm 46:10The Need for Spiritual Practices Why do we practice mindfulness? Why do we engage in meditation and other forms of contemplative prayer? Isn’t it more important to be busy doing God’s work? Or, is it possible that God intended for us to be silent before him and active in social justice? “Finding Peace through Spiritual Practice: The Interfaith Amigos’ Guide to Personal, Social and Environmental Healing” by Pastor Don Mackenzie, Rabbi Spiritual practices encourage the inner change that reinforces the positive impact we can have on our personal and communal lives. Ted Falcon and Imam Jamal Rahman discusses how spiritual practices create inner change leading to lasting outer change. Here are a few thoughts from this helpful book which can be found in our church library. “Be the change you wish to see.” These words are usually attributed to Mahatma Gandhi, and frequently appear on bumper stickers. His actual words, however, were “If we could change ourselves, the tendencies in this world would also change.” This statement conveys even more deeply the reality that true and lasting change starts inside ourselves. Here is where spiritual practices like silence, mindfulness meditation and contemplative prayer can help. Spiritual practices encourage the inner change that reinforces the positive impact we can have on our personal and communal lives. These practices open us to new levels of self-understanding. They draw us closer to God and help us find deeper meaning in our lives, because they increase our awareness of how powerful our own thoughts, words, feelings and actions can be. Spiritual practices enhance our relationships with others, because through them we become more aware of our common humanity, so often hidden behind the prejudices of our conditioned minds. When we are not hindered by preexisting judgments, we are better able to kindly respond to others and participate in meaningful social and environmental action accomplishing all that God intends for us to do in this world. We are reminded that we are all in this life together, and that each of us is called to support the healing that everyone needs. Our actions in the world are obviously important, but without an inner recognition of our common humanity, they cannot endure.

Have you watched the Live Feed of our Worship Services on Sunday mornings?Subscribe to our YouTube Channel! With busy schedules and late season snow causing difficulties with getting to church on Sunday mornings, perhaps you have been among the many people watching and appreciating and worshipping by the light of your computer or tablet or phone recently. Our 8:30 and 11:00 services are “Live Streamed” on our YouTube page – you can access this through the “Live Feed” link on the home page of our website, or by going to www.YouTube.com/StMattsTosa. You can even watch previous services by looking at the choices along the righthand side of our You Tube page. Services can be searched, but usually the most recent is at the top of the feed. Be up-to-date with worship! Even if you can’t leave your living room.

Sunday Morning Volunteers St. Matthew’s uses Ministry Scheduler Pro (MSP) an on-line scheduling program to schedule our Sunday morning volunteers. Volunteers choose the area they would like to serve in, service time preference and frequency of service. Most volunteers find MSP very easy to use and appreciate these great features of the scheduling program: • Update away dates

quickly on-line so you don’t get scheduled when you cannot be here

• Receive automatic email or text message reminders

• Schedules updated with changes in real time • Ability to check your schedule from anywhere

and easily request a substitute when you can’t make one of your scheduled dates

• Guidelines and procedures for ALL Sunday morning ministry positions are available on-line

We always need new volunteers on Sunday morning! This is a great way to be involved at church and if you are already here on a Sunday there is no need to try to plan for extra time in your schedule. Please contact Sue Swing;sueswing@sbcglobal.net for more info.

Go to YouTube.com and search “StMattsTosa”Once you are on our page, click “Subscribe”Click on the icon of the bell also, and you will

receive notifications whenever there is something new on the St. Matt’s YouTube page.

Spiritual practices encourage the inner change that reinforces the positive impact we can have on our personal and communal lives.

Page 17

Pentecost ReflectionsFrom The Rev. Amy Reumann, ELCA Director of Advocacy The Feast of Pentecost (May 20th) starts with a blast of fast rushing wind. The season itself can seem to go on forever. Entering my first parish call, a colleague warned me about “the dog days of Pentecost.” They theorized that the kind of lethargy that can accompany the heat of summer would affect our worship and ministry, too.By mid-season, I understood. At the time I was preaching through several weeks of Gospel texts about Jesus as the bread of life. I was running out of things to say about what seemed to be a lectionary stuck on repeat. The organist left for an extended vacation without a substitute, leaving a cassette tape on which she had recorded the service music. Nobody sang along when I pushed the button. On Sundays the church was too hot, worshippers too few, energy was low and the season ahead seemed to stretch on forever. The long distance run of the Sundays after Pentecost means we may gather to worship even when we don’t always feel like it. We persevere even when enthusiasm is running low and grace may not seem so amazing. It is ordinary time, far from the mountaintop experience of festival days, bringing us down to encounter God in the flow of daily life. Engaging in advocacy can also require the same, long haul persistence. An advocacy colleague once shared, “It took ten years, you know.” “You have to be committed to keep going, even when there is no end in sight.” Advocacy is slow work. There are more defeats and repetitious labor than wins. It means showing up and persevering during a long season, even when you feel stuck and like you are not going anywhere. Advocacy’s scriptural foundations tend to rely on Jesus’ concern for the poor, the call of the prophets to justice or the actions of the early church. I think we are missing a vital connection by not looking more to the Festival of Pentecost, too.

The Acts of the Apostles account begins with the Holy Spirit descending to loosen tongues of people from all corners of the earth. The presence of the Spirit unleashes testimony to the risen Christ. It reminds us, in our day, that there are many ways to let loose with our own witness to Jesus, including in unexpected ways and places. Advocacy, too, is an untying of tongues. It is spirit-inspired testimony to the God who justifies, who in turn sets us free to do justice. We advocate with and for our neighbors and the rest of Creation to preserve their dignity and protect their integrity. Faith-rooted advocacy is witness to our faith by proclaiming solidarity with the suffering of Christ’s body in the world and witnessing to God’s resurrection hope for a world transformed. This is evangelism and proclamation of the good news, just as surely as knocking on doors. Only this advocacy may take place at a town council meeting, a school board session or in the halls of the U.S. Capitol. We don’t often connect advocacy with the worship during these Sundays after Pentecost. But this ordinary time is chock full of texts in which Jesus upends social customs and the social order to eat with outcasts, touch lepers, heal the sick and show compassion to those who are poor. Ordinary time reveals ordinary ways we can show solidarity with the people with whom Jesus spent most of his earthly ministry. And it brings fresh opportunities to heed God’s call for responding to hunger and injustice with witness to the God of justice. With the help and guidance of the Holy Spirit, of course. How might you practice advocacy as persistence, presence and proclamation in service to the One who sends the Paraclete, the Advocate, to be present with us?

ELCA Advocacy

Page 18

Our Church FamilyRecently hospitalized: Greg Milleville. Congratulations to Josh & Emily Baseheart of Brookfield who have welcomed Lucy James to their family on April 2. Annie, who is 2 years old, is Lucy’s big sister. Hannah & Adam Neylon have welcomed a son, Thomas Robert, to their family in April. Elizabeth, who is one and a half, is Thomas’ big sister. Maternal grandparents are Rob & Linda Zillmer of our congregation. We give thanks for the life of a Marie Korth, beloved saint and member of St. Matthew’s, who died April 27th at age 100. Born on Christmas Day, Marie is survived by her sons, Peter, also a member of St. Matthew’s and Paul, and their families. She was married to her husband, Clifford, for more than 40 years. Marie was a longtime resident of Luther Manor, and brought joy and delight to many whom she regularly encountered. She was especially remarkable because of her positive outlook on all that life brought her.

Tosa Cares send thanks for contribution “On behalf of the Board of Directors of TOSA CARES we would like to thank you for your continued support with your generous donation of $140.18. Your donation will make our mission much more achievable in 2018. Cash donations are used to purchase protein prooducts for our clients. “Our next distribution will be held on April 28. At our last distribution on March 10, we supplied over 160 families with a box of nonperishable food items. In addition selections of canned goods, bread, pancake mix and syrup, baby food, paper products and clothing were provided. Information on nutrition was provided by the Wauwatosa Health Department. “The need for basic food supply continues to be great in our community, but with your assistance we are empowered to meet those needs. We could not serve the number of people that we do without your support of our mission.”

Al Van Lith is new Financial Bookkeeper and Administrator We are excited to announce that by the time you read this article, Al Van Lith, a long time member of St. Matthew’s, will already have started his new church staff position in the main office, as our Financial Bookkeeper and Administrator! After reviewing nearly 50 resumés for the position, a hiring committee made up of Pastor Chris, Pastor Matt, Dan Herrell – our Human Resource committee chairperson, Karen Freiberg – our Finance Committee chairperson, and Sonja Mohr – our office staff person, interviewed four people for the position. It became clear after these interviews that Al Van Lith was the best candidate for the position. Al Van Lith brings to the church a broad range of experiences in both financial positions and also as a long-time volunteer on St. Matthew’s Finance committee. Al has a broad understanding of St. Matthew’s financial position, has served a variety of committees including the Church Council as President, and also begins his position knowing many people in the congregation. Part of this position that Al will be now doing is to coordinate Sunday morning volunteers as Sue Swing has been doing in the past. Al knows what Sunday mornings are like around St. Matthew’s, as he has volunteered as a Worship lay assistant, has sung in the Senior Choir for many years, and has taught Sunday School for many years as well. In his new role, Al will support the various Sunday morning volunteer positions, such as coffee hosts, ushers, greeters, and communion prep helpers as needed. We are also very thankful, because in our interim time frame over the last two months, Holly Jurss has returned to the church office to resume her role as Financial secretary and keep St. Matthew’s financial data in good order. We are thankful for her willingness to step back into this role after eighteen blissful months of retirement. Holly has also agreed to train Al in our office financial system to give him a good start in his new role. We are thankful for the strong financial system that is in place through many years of faithful service, support, and volunteerism in this area, and we look forward to Al Van Lith joining the St. Matthew’s staff team to continue the positive direction that we are on. God’s Blessings and welcome aboard, Al!

PERIODICALS RATEMail Carrier: Please deliver by May 12, 2018.

The Voice of St. Matthew’sWe are called to welcome, nurture, equip and send

Next issue of the VOICE is dated June 3, 2018.

Wauwatosa, Wisconsinwww.stmattslutheran.org

Wisconsin weather offers unpredictable Sunday morning drives to church

April’s spring weather brought late season snow on Sunday morning, April 15. Thanks to Ethan Wooster for clearing the main walk during the Education Hour for people arriving for Sunday School, the education hour and the last service.

Tosa Clergy offered an ecumenical bicycle blessing which Pastor Matt participated in on April 22 at Underwood Memorial Baptist Church one block north of St. Matthew’s. Jin Ru Granger received a blessing for his bicycle from Pastor Matt.

This image from our Live Stream of April 15 worship is the way many watched and participated from their homes due to a late season snow storm.

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St. Matthew’s Ev. Lutheran Church#9805151615 N. Wauwatosa AveWauwatosa, WI 53213414-774-0441Sonja Mohr

Issue Date: May 13, 2018Volume 87Issue # 6

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By May 4, 2018